Our Arctic by RV Challenge Web Site
The Story Tellers: The story of our trip to the Arctic is told through the voices of our dogs - Bo'sun & Gracie. We hope you enjoy the story and the photos. Hopefully, you'll be inspired to stretch your own horizons.
The Challenge
Hi! My name is Bo'sun. I'm not the Big Dog in this outfit, but I'm Top Dog so listen up. This is a story about mom & dad's trip to the Arctic. Y'all know how popular camo clothing is now, right. Well, I was born with an Arctic Camo coat From here on, my nickname is Nanook of the North! This was my second trip to Alaska, but just the first time for that silly Collie-Wollie that will be my assistant in telling the story of our great adventure.
After several years of discussions about doing something special to
celebrate their 25th anniversary, Mom and Dad decided to go back to
They drove the Alcan/Cassiar route in 2004 in a brand new Ford F350
pulling a light-weight 1994 27' Holiday Rambler travel trailer. (Bo’sun
was there but not Gracie). It was their maiden voyage in that rig;
in fact, the truck was only six days old as our '97 Suburban died
just a week before leaving. Preparation for that trip was extremely
limited: we rebuilt the suspension and put new tires on the trailer.
The truck was so new Dad installed some stainless fender flares to protect the paint from the
gravel and a CB radio along the way. There wasn't time to buy a
canopy for the truck, so we borrowed one.
Preparation for this trip, however, was extensive. Dad and Mom (but
mostly dad) worked on the itinerary, the truck and the
trailer for over six months to get ready for the rigors of bad roads.
Hopefully, the preparation will be adequate and we won't have too many
hiccups - I hate the hiccups! Since Dad is our resident master
mechanic, we'll let him describe all the stuff about the
truck and trailer, modifications and upgrades via the Preparation link
on the side of this page.
Bo'sun
The Route
Get back in front & drive old man!
What are we waiting for? I'm loaded up and ready to go on a road
trip north. What were you thinking
about when I was just a kid and you took us to Arizona? Bo'sun thinks he's hot
stuff with that wimpy white coat of his; this Collie has her best fur coat
on and can't wait to try it out in the Arctic.
Gracie
